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30 Natural Herbs For Hair Growth And Thickness

Hair fall is a common problem that is faced by both men and women, where their hair gets sparse from balding, hair thinning, or a receding hairline. It manifests slowly and sometimes you don’t even regard it as a problem until you’ve lost quite a bit of hair.

Discovering that you’re losing your hair can cause you to panic, stress, and confusion as to what you should do. With so many products in the market that promise hair growth, it can sometimes be hard to make a choice.

While many products promise the goodness of herbs, it is impossible to know the effects of a product on your scalp, considering all the chemicals that go into making it. So why not just turn to the herbs?

The use of herbs to treat hair fall and promote hair growth has been common practice for centuries before commercial products was even thought of. While commercial products promise the goodness of a natural ingredient, they come loaded with chemicals. This makes the use of herbs a preferred solution.

There are many different herbs used for hair growth, and each has unique properties that make them ideal ingredients to include in your hair care regime.

1) Amla or Indian Gooseberry

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Scientific Name: Phyllanthus Emblica

Amla, also known as the Indian Gooseberry, is a fruit loaded with vitamin C and several other antioxidants which help with collagen production (1). Collagen boosts the rate at which hair grows and ensures strong hair growth. Dry Amla powder can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to your hair. You can also combine the powder with water to form a paste. The paste can be applied to your hair as a hair mask. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.

Benefits Of Amla:

2) Shikakai

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Scientific Name: Acacia Concinna

Shikakai is derived from the bark, leaves, and pods of the Shikakai tree. Its powder helps to strengthen hair, control dandruff and gently cleanse the scalp (2). It is mostly used in the same way as Amla. It can be used in its powdered form with a carrier oil like coconut, or it can be used as a hair mask by mixing the powdered Shikakai in water to form a paste. Dried Shikakai fruit is also steeped in water to prepare a healing cleanser. This is one of the most effective herbs that promote hair growth.

Benefits Of Shikakai

3) Reetha or Soap Nuts

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Scientific Name: Sapindus

Reetha tops the list of natural herbs that promote hair growth. Reetha, also known as soap nuts, are fruits that are dried and used whole or in powder form. The fruits of the Reetha tree have been used to make soaps for a long time, and that is where their name, soap nuts was derived from. Reetha is soaked in boiling water, and the resulting liquid is used to clean hair. It is an effective cure for hair fall.

Benefits Of Reetha:

4) Henna

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Scientific Name: Lawsonia inermis

Henna is commonly for hair coloring, but it also works wonders for the overall health of your hair. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and astringent properties (3). It removes excess oils from the scalp, preventing clogging. Henna leaves are powdered, mixed with water, and rested for a few hours. The paste is then applied to the hair and left in for a couple of hours. It is rinsed off with water.

Benefits Of Henna:

5) Methi or Fenugreek

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Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum

Methi or fenugreek is nature’s conditioner. The seeds are soaked in water; the resulting liquid is a slimy substance that is added to a mixture of Shikakai, Amla, and henna. Alternatively, the seeds can be soaked in water overnight and then ground to a fine paste and applied to the hair. You can add a little yogurt to the paste, to reap the benefits of the added lactic acid.

Benefits Of Methi:

6) Brahmi

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Scientific Name: Bacopa Monnieri

Brahmi is used in oil and powder form to stop hair fall and make hair thicker and healthier. The powder is mixed with water to form a paste and is applied to the hair and scalp for an hour. A head massage with Brahmi oil is the perfect stress-buster that reduces hair loss.

Benefits Of Brahmi:

7) Neem

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Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica

Neem oil boosts the rate of hair growth and increases the tensile strength of the hair shafts, making them silky and adding shine. It reduces hair loss and irritation of the scalp (4). Neem leaf pastes can be used as conditioning packs to nourish the scalp and prevent dryness and flaking.

Benefits Of Neem:

8) Horsetail

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Scientific Name: Equisetum arvense

Horsetail is an effective ingredient for promoting hair growth and maintaining the health of your scalp. It stimulates blood vessels and improves circulation (5). Steeping two parts water with one part dried horsetail, will give you a solution that you can apply to your hair.

Benefits Of Horsetail:

9) Bhringraj

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Scientific Name: Eclipta Alba

This is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that has been in use for centuries in India. It is used to treat hair loss and to rejuvenate the scalp. You can use this herb by adding Bhringraj powder to a carrier oil and then applying the mixture to your hair. If you have fresh Bhringraj leaves, grind them and apply the paste directly onto your hair.

Benefits Of Bhringraj:

10) Lavender

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Scientific Name: Lavendula officinalis

Lavender is known for its distinctive but pleasant aroma. It is used in hair care for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It is a natural insect repellent that protects the hair from lice. You can use lavender essential oil by adding a few drops to a carrier oil of your choice.

Benefits Of Lavender:

11) Flaxseed

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Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum

Flaxseed contains an abundance of fatty acids which are essential for your hair (7). It also consists of antioxidants that get rid of free radicals. To use flaxseed for your hair, boil ground seeds to form a gel. Apply this gel to your scalp and hair.

Benefits Of Flaxseed:

12) Nettle

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Scientific Name: Urtica dioica

Nettle is an effective solution to remedy hair loss because it stimulates the scalp and improves blood circulation. It also strengthens the hair shafts. Nettle can be ground to make a paste. Mix this paste with olive oil and apply it to your hair.

Benefits Of Nettle:

13) Saw Palmetto

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Scientific Name: Serenoa repens

Saw Palmetto stops the testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is known to be linked with hair loss (8). The herb, therefore, prevents hair loss and encourages healthy hair growth. Saw Palmetto can be taken in the form of supplements. You can also rinse your hair with this herb.

Benefits Of Saw Palmetto:

14) Calendula

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Scientific Name: Calendula officincilis

Calendula is more commonly known as Marigold and is an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight inflammation. It boosts the production of collagen which improves blood circulation in the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. It increases the tensile strength of the hair shaft and can be used alone or with a moisturizing carrier oil.

Benefits Of Calendula:

15) Comfrey

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Scientific Name: Symphytum officinale

Comfrey is one of the best herbs for hair growth and its extract is used for detangling hair. It consists of vitamins and minerals that assist in healthy hair growth. Comfrey stimulates and soothes the scalp. It protects against dryness and breaking. You can use comfrey as a hair rinse by boiling one teaspoon of dried comfrey in one cup of boiling water. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the solution. Once the solution has cooled, pour it over freshly washed hair.

Benefits Of Comfrey:

16) Chamomile

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Scientific Name: Matricaria recutitia

Chamomile is known for its soothing aroma, although it is commonly consumed as tea, it can also be used externally for hair care. It is known to nourish and soothe the scalp, encouraging healthy hair growth. It is also a natural highlighter that can add light tones to your hair. You can use chamomile by rinsing your hair with the tea after it has been freshly washed and conditioned.

Benefits Of Chamomile:

17) Arnica

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Scientific Name: Arnica montana

The anti-inflammatory properties in Arnica make it a useful herb to maintain the health of your scalp (9). It is an excellent ingredient to use to battle dandruff. A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair growth. Arnica oil can be applied directly to the scalp or in combination with any other carrier oil.

Benefits Of Gotu Kola:

19) Dandelion

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Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale

The dandelion herb is rich in iron and Vitamin A, both of which are essential for treating conditions of the scalp. Ensuring scalp health is key to promoting hair growth. Dandelion tea, made by boiling one tablespoon of dandelion in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, can be used as a hair rinse.

Benefits Of Dandelion:

20) Licorice

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Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice root has triterpene saponins, glycosides, and flavonoids, that nourish the scalp and heal any damage that might have been caused by fungal infection. It works as an effective cleanser. To use licorice root as a hair cleanser, add one tablespoon of it to three cups of boiling water. Let it simmer for an hour and then strain it. After it cools, apply the solution to your scalp and hair.

Benefits Of Licorice:

21) Yucca

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Scientific Name: Yucca schidigera

Yucca is a herb that is native to the North American deserts. It is traditionally used as a natural scalp cleanser and is also used to make soaps and shampoo as it effectively battles itching, dryness, and dandruff. Yucca can be mixed with water to make an effective hair rinse.

Benefits Of Yucca:

22) Hops

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Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus

Hops is a well-known hair growth stimulant. It is used in oil form to thicken hair and promote hair growth. It is also a natural antiseptic. To use hops, mix it with a carrier oil of your choice and apply it to your hair.

Benefits Of Hops:

23) Peppermint

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Scientific Name: Mentha piperita

Peppermint is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory herb that is known for its moisturizing properties. It is commonly used in the form of oil, which is applied to the scalp and hair and is a known hair growth booster (11). It boosts the circulation of blood, maximizing the nourishment the follicles receive. To add peppermint to your hair care routine, mix a few drops of it to a carrier oil and apply it to your scalp and hair.

Benefits Of Peppermint:

24) Cassia

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Scientific Name: Cassia obovata

Cassia is a well-known conditioner for dry hair. It is sometimes known as the blonde henna because it adds golden hues to gray hair. To use cassia, mix cassia in water until it gets to a pasty consistency. Apply the paste to your hair and let it sit for an hour. Wash your hair to remove any residue.

Benefits Of Cassia:

25) Marshmallow

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Scientific Name: Althaea officinalis

The roots of marshmallow contain lauric acid and fatty acids that are present in coconut oil, which makes it an excellent ingredient that nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth. To use marshmallow root, boil marshmallow in water for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid and add it to your conditioner for use.

Benefits Of Marshmallow:

26) Thyme

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Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris

Thyme is a herb that is rich in potassium, magnesium, and selenium. It helps stimulate the follicles which result in hair re-growth. It has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties which help maintain scalp health. Thyme oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied. You can also rinse your hair with thyme by steeping it in water, straining it, and then letting it cool.

Benefits Of Thyme:

27) Parsley

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Scientific Name: Petroselinium crispum

Parsley boosts the production of keratin and collagen in the scalp, both of which are essential for hair growth. It improves the circulation of blood and consists of vitamins and antioxidants that battle damage causing free-radicals. It also helps synthesize melanin, which is the pigment that protects hair from sun-damage. Parsley can be used as an herbal rinse by boiling it in water. You can also make a parsley hair mask by grinding it into a paste with water.

A word of Caution: Pregnant women should avoid ingesting large quantities of parsley.

Benefits Of Parsley:

28) Watercress

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Scientific Name: Nasturtium officinale

Watercress has a high content of biotin and potassium which makes it an effective hair loss treatment. It encourages active hair growth. It also has high amounts of Vitamin A which nourish the hair shaft and promotes the growth of new hair (13). To make a watercress rinse, blend a handful of watercress in one cup of water. Boil the mixture for a few minutes, strain it, and let it cool. Use the liquid as a rinse on freshly washed hair.

Benefits Of Watercress:

29) Moringa

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Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera

Moringa contains thiocyanate which strengthens the follicles and prevents hair fall. It is used as a conditioner and promotes new hair growth. You can use moringa in its oil form by applying it directly to your hair. Alternatively, you can make a tea out of moringa powder and use this to rinse your hair.

Benefits Of Moringa:

30) Maidenhair

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Scientific Name: Ginko Biloba

Maidenhair, as the name suggests, is a favorite hair care herb. It is an effective treatment for hair loss as it improves the circulation of blood to the scalp. To make an infusion of maidenhair that you can use to rinse your hair, add three handfuls of the dried herb to 2 cups of water and let it boil. Strain the liquid and carefully pour it over freshly washed hair.

Benefits Of Maidenhair:

You do not have to turn to commercial products to have hair that is thick and strong anymore. Try any of these natural herb remedies to get the lustrous and long hair that you have always desired. Have you ever used any of these herbs for natural hair growth? How did it help you?